Columbus.- The last time the Galaxy visited Mapfre Stadium Crew SC ran over them 4-1. The victory was the turning point of the 2014 season for Columbus. However, the scenario for tomorrow night is uncertain. The hosts, usually solid at home, are on a five-game winless streak and the pressure to end it could undermine the team’s performance.
Going through an entire month without a win is tough to swallow. Last year, Crew Sc went into a 16 game drought. It was a long, long summer for the Black & Gold, and they are not looking for something like that to happen again.
The week started with a bit of controversy because of a Facebook post where Emanuel Pogatetz aired his frustration for not be in the starting lineup in the Montreal game. Of course Berhalter and the defender clarified and minimized the outcome, but their polite declarations did not cover up the real issue: defense is out of sync.
Since their last win over Seattle ( 3-1 May 9th ) Crew SC allowed at least two goals per game. They still have a seven-goal differential when playing at Mapfre Stadium, but they are -1 in the overall numbers. The good news is The Galaxy is -3, and haven’t won a road game since August 20th
The redemption is up for grabs for both teams. Vancouver played the counter-attacks effectively when they beat the Galaxy last week. It is unlikely that Columbus will use that strategy for this game. They will remain faithful to their possession-based style, but they will push the tempo, they will go more vertical. That need for speed offense will give them the edge.
The Galaxy is feeling the post-Donovan era and without Robbie Keane also, the responsibility to command their attack resides on the shoulders of Zardes and Gordon. They are coming to Columbus ready to fight. Whoever blinks, will loose; this is a “no sharing points” kind of game.
